News

Sunday, November 12, 2017

ARENA Wraps Up 2017 Program

The Arctic Remote Energy Network Academy (ARENA) program concluded its 2017 program with a closeout ceremony in Reykjavik, Iceland.

During their time in Iceland, the participants received in-depth lectures on a range of topics related to the assessment, development and utilization of geothermal energy resources from faculty at the United Nations University Geothermal Training Program.

The participants toured geothermal and hydroelectric power plants, commercial greenhouses (vegetable and flowers) powered and heated by geothermal systems, a carbon dioxide concentration plant, a fish drying facility, and a manufacturer that produces insulated pipe for distribution of the geothermal water.

On the final day of the program, participants shared highlights from their 9-month experience with ARENA and how the program benefitted their communities and their own professional development.

Earlier this year, the 2017 participants traveled to Yellowknife, Canada in March and Fairbanks, Alaska in June for two week-long onsite sessions.

The Iceland Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tómas Orri Ragnarsson, hosted the final closeout event, presenting the program participants with certificates acknowledging their achievement.

The ARENA program has been endorsed by the Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG), and is co-led by the United States, Canada, Finland, Iceland, Aleut International Association and Gwich'in Council International.

ARENA co-leads from Alaska, Canada, and Iceland will use results from the 2017 program to guide future ARENA engagement by the Arctic Council.